Others are to blame for letting Lindsey rule

I find it interesting that Trustee Lokelani Lindsey chose to break her silence in the final days before the release of the report by independent investigator Patrick Yim. Given that the trustees have met with Yim, we can assume she knows the gist of what he will say, and that it is not good for her.

But while Lindsey's actions in controlling Kamehameha Schools are maddening, we should not be so quick to condemn her alone. As many critics have pointed out, other trustees are to blame -- if only for their complacency in allowing her to impose her considerable will on the school.

It bears noting, however, that other managers within the school and Bishop Estate were also complicit in her reign of terror. Whether because they lacked the fortitude to disagree, or as a product of their own selfish attempts to "move up the food chain," these managers carried out her orders without question, resistance or comment.

In balance, those who simply "made the trains run on time" must bear the responsibility for Lindsey's actions, just as she does.

Larry Loganbill
Kilauea, Hawaii(Via the Internet)

Two aren't qualified to run large estate

The present system has given us a Bishop Estate trustee who is a politically well-connected gym teacher running Kamehameha Schools, and a trustee who is a former legislator and insurance salesman directing a $10 billion trust.

The fact that they are acting in those capacities is mind boggling. Neither of them are qualified by education, experience, temperament or performance, to date, to carry on the tasks they have been allowed to take upon themselves.

They are trustees because they are politically well-connected. No organization would ever hire them to perform the tasks that they have assumed.

The beneficiaries deserve much better. For a fraction of the $4 million which is paid to the trustees, the estate could have an appropriate organizational structure and world-class management.

Economy brings to mind more queries than answers

Truth and common sense are urgently needed to offset the campaign spins on the economy. The "modest but steady" economic growth cited as "positive results of a three-year-effort" made by the state is a case in point.

Is this kind of economic growth justifiable to many who've lost their jobs and homes unnecessarily for the past five years? Private-sector unions have been screaming at the state administration for its inaction.

Are government's budget and finances now in order? If so, explain the significant downgrading of our bonds.

Specifically, what kind of economic structural changes have been accomplished to reverse our situation? What policies have been implemented to offset global competition in tourism, reduction in military spending, the disappearance of sugar and pineapple, the drying up of Japanese investment and, especially, the adverse conditions for business growth?

If significant policies have been effectuated, why after three long years is there only "modest and steady" growth? Normally, recessions last no more than two years.

Gene J. Dumaran

Clinton has sold out to communist China

The Pentagon just issued a warning about the increase in nuclear, biological and chemical weapons around the world (Star-Bulletin, Nov. 25). So how ironic it is that our unscrupulous president would jeopardize our own national security by acquiescing to sell U.S. nuclear power reactors to communist China.

Clinton saw fit to take $60 billion from Chinese President Jiang Zemin in exchange for our nuclear technology. Of course, China has insincerely promised that it will not mass produce nuclear weapons or send our technology to countries hostile to the U.S.

I'm dumbfounded! Is Clinton acting in the best interest of the United States or communist China?

Our national security and democracy is up for sale to the highest bidder under the Clinton administration.

Holiday spirit reveals itself at every donation kettle

We were attracted to this seasonal project because just about 90 percent of the money collected goes right back to our island communities.

We tied on the bellringer aprons they gave us, rang silver bells, waved, sang and helped small children put their coins into the bright red kettles.

There were numerous opportunities to talk story with folks who related how they had attended Salvation Army summer camp for many summers, been helped out with food or clothing during lean times, or eaten the hot meals prepared by Salvation Army personnel and volunteers when hurricanes or floods destroyed their homes. Just about everyone who contributed money had a story to tell.

One woman cheerfully revealed that she gives $2 at each kettle she comes across. "I don't have much money at all," she said, "but it's just something I like to do when Christmas comes around."

A group of teen-aged boys emptied the pockets of their baggy pants, poured in handfuls of change, then quickly escaped to the parking lot after shyly brushing off our thanks. How generous people can be!

A young mother summed it up best while placing several coins in the hands of her keiki to put into the kettle: "This is for all the families in Hawaii who need our help. One day we might need it, too."

Claudia Parras
Ewa Beach(Via the Internet)

Waianae showed class in its Prep Bowl loss

St. Louis beat Waianae in the Prep Bowl, 28 to 0, but the real winner was the Waianae football team. Its members showed class as they fought hard to the very end, without succumbing to a series of late hits and personal fouls resulting in a player ejection.

In an emotion-packed game, it is difficult not to engage in a similiar retaliatory manner. Some may look at the game as a rout, while others saw the character, discipline and training of the Waianae players.

Waianae showed the OIA and ILH how a football game should be played, aggressively and cleanly.

My hat goes off to Coach Taaca for his program and developing a fine bunch of kids. Congratulations to Coach Lee for another Prep Bowl title.

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